Hi everyone! I'm making the switch to PC gaming and aiming to build a setup that can compete with the PS5 Pro. I've already ordered some parts, and I'm currently a bit stuck. Here's what I have so far:
- **Intel Core i9-14900K 3.2 GHz 24-Core Processor**
- **Cooler Master Hyper 212 (2023) 70.7 CFM CPU Cooler**
- **MSI B760M GAMING PLUS WIFI Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard**
- **Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory**
- **Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive**
- **MSI VENTUS 2X PLUS OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB Video Card**
- **Cooler Master TD300 Mesh MicroATX Mini Tower Case**
- **Gigabyte UD850GM PG5 (rev. 2.0) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply**
Since I need a Micro ATX for portability to university, I'm working with a budget of £1,400 or $1,880. I've already got the CPU, cooler, and power supply. Does anyone have recommendations on changes? I'd love some advice from seasoned builders!
4 Answers
You've got a decent setup, but watch out for that cooler. It really isn't enough for the i9—it's likely to overheat, which isn't good for the CPU's longevity. As for your motherboard, it may be wise to consider getting one with better VRMs if you can, especially since you're running such a powerful CPU. You might even think about switching to a larger board for better cooling options. If you want a smoother experience, consider getting a different CPU like the i5-13600K. It could work better!
Just a heads-up about your SSD: the P3 Plus has some downsides with its QLC flash, which isn't as durable as TLC flash. Over time, it can slow down significantly. Look into alternatives like the Kioxia Exceria Plus G3 or WD Blue SN580. They’ll give you better performance and longevity!
Honestly, I think your CPU is overkill for the rest of your components, and that cooler won't cut it for the 14900K. A better balance could be something like a Ryzen 7600X paired with an RTX 5070 Ti, which should fit your budget. Just check out this link I made for a compatible build: [PCPartPicker List](https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/xbrgfd)
It sounds like you might be in a bit of trouble with the combination of that Intel 14900K and a Micro ATX case. Generally, it's suggested to go for AMD for smaller builds, but since you've already bought that CPU, you gotta make it work. Just be aware that it could lead to overheating issues. I would also recommend checking out the VRMs on your motherboard since the 14900K needs a lot of power. You might find a full-size board gives you better options. Overall, just keep an eye on temps!
Is there a way to adjust settings to lower the heat, like tweaking graphics or framerate in games?
If I returned my i9 and switched for the i5 13600K, would that handle things well enough?